Michael Jordan and NASCAR: A Legal Battle with Explosive Revelations
The tense legal dispute between NASCAR and two of its teams, which filed a federal antitrust lawsuit, has escalated to a new level. During a hearing marked by tension, emails and text messages with explicit language were revealed, coming from key figures such as 23XI Racing team owner Michael Jordan. In one of the exchanges, the NBA legend and co-owner of 23XI Racing, used derogatory language towards Joe Gibbs Racing and the other 13 teams that signed the new NASCAR agreements last September.23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports were the only teams that refused to sign the franchise agreement extensions, similar to those in other sports. Both teams sued NASCAR, accusing it of a monopoly, which has generated a series of conflicts that could lead them to bankruptcy if the series sells its franchises. The revelations from documents during the hearing were particularly explosive. NASCAR, owned by the France family, saw its current chairman, Jim France, and his granddaughter, Lesa France Kennedy, present in court. In addition, Steve Lauletta, president of 23XI, suggested that “Jim’s death would probably be the solution” to obtain better conditions in the franchise agreements, while Hamlin expressed his deep contempt for the France family. In a conversation between Jordan and Polk, the price of franchises was discussed. Jordan replied that he would not sell, even if they were for sale. Polk replied that this was just a hobby, to which Jordan replied that you can only play golf for a while. In another exchange, Jordan discussed with Polk the cost of signing a driver.“Teams will regret not joining us,” Jordan wrote in a text message to Curtis Polk, his business manager and partner at 23XI Racing along with Jordan and Denny Hamlin.
Michael Jordan
NASCAR also had its own email exchanges with explicit language among senior executives. Commissioner Steve Phelps argued that the conversations had not been productive and that the initial proposal offered “zero wins for the teams.” Steve O’Donnell, president of NASCAR, also disagreed with a previous version, as it would return the NASCAR model to the conditions of 1996. Jeffrey Kessler, lawyer for 23XI and Front Row, argued that NASCAR’s exchanges, along with contingency plans to avoid competition, demonstrate that NASCAR is monopolizing the auto racing market. NASCAR has maintained that 23XI and Front Row forfeited their rights to six combined charters by refusing to sign the extensions in September. The teams began the season recognized as charters, which guarantees 36 teams entry into the race each week. Chartered teams also receive a significantly larger percentage of the payments. The order that recognized the six cars as franchises has been revoked and they currently compete as “open” teams. 23XI Racing driver Tyler Reddick has a clause in his contract that allows him to leave if his car is not franchised; Kessler indicated that Reddick and the sponsors have notified that 23XI is in breach. U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell warned that NASCAR’s franchise system is at stake, depending on the outcome of the case. Arguments before Bell centered on the teams’ urgent request to restore their franchise status by the end of the season, before a trial scheduled for December 1. NASCAR has indicated that it plans to begin selling the franchises immediately. Bell asked NASCAR’s lawyer why one of the four open spots could not be sold and then address the issue once the case is resolved. NASCAR has maintained that it cannot be forced to do business with teams it does not want to work with. The judge said he would rule on the request next week after the first playoff race of the season. Reddick and Bubba Wallace are in the playoffs for 23IX, as is Hamlin, who races for JGR. Outside of court, Jordan said he has been open to a settlement, but is willing to take the case to trial. Kessler warned that if 23XI and Front Row do not recover their franchises, they will go bankrupt in 2026.“I lost it at a casino. Let’s do it,” Jordan replied.
Michael Jordan
“I’ve been a fan of the game for a long time. I’ve always said that I want to fight for the betterment of the sport. Although they tried to point out that we’ve made some money, we had a successful business. That’s not the point. The point is that the sport itself needs to continuously change for the fans and for the teams. Also for NASCAR, if they understand that. I feel like we made a good statement about it today and I hope to fight until the end. If I have to fight until the end, for the betterment of the sport, I will,” said Jordan.
Michael Jordan
